Exploring

Digitization

Hybrid Options

Given the challenges of digital preservation, it makes sense for most institutions to use digital imaging as an access tool while simultaneously relying on more traditional approaches such as microfilming for preservation. Over the past 15 years, several grant-funded projects have explored the possibility of combining microfilming and digital imaging technologies.

Yale University's Project Open Book (1991-1996) studied the feasibility of converting existing preservation microfilm of 19th- and 20th-century brittle books to digital images (known as the "film-first" method). Cornell University's Digital to Microfilm Conversion Project (1994-1996) studied the feasibility of scanning the same type of collections and producing computer output microfilm (known as the "scan-first" method).

These projects proved that both methods could be used successfully. Detailed technical guidelines for filming first and scanning first were devised, and information was gathered about costs and workflow. The project administrators concluded that the choice of where to begin a hybrid project would depend on the condition of the original materials, whether or not preservation microfilm already exists, and whether or not disbinding of bound volumes is permissible, among other issues.

See the draft version of Digital Imaging and Preservation Microfilm: The Future of the Hybrid Approach for the Preservation of Brittle Books for a full analysis of the current state of hybrid options and a discussion of next steps. Note especially the "Hybrid Approach Decision Tree," which provides assistance in deciding whether to scan first or film first.